Music Ministry

Our church has been truly blessed by God in the area of music.  First United Methodist Church features two adult choirs, one for the Blended Worship service and one for the Traditional Worship service, and each with its own director. The Wesley Ringers, our bell choir regularly shares their gift of music with our congregation. The Praise Band in our Contemporary Worship service brings joy and excitement into the lives of our worshippers. The Church Band plays at various times throughout the year and Pontiac First is always blessed with talented soloists. Our musicians find true joy in sharing their gifts with us and using them to praise our Risen Lord.

GLORY CHORALE

The Glory Chorale is a four part mixed adult choir that sings each Sunday at the 8:15 AM Blended service and at special music presentations throughout the year.  The Glory Chorale rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in the church sanctuary.  For more information contact Director of Music Director Laura Ramseyer (842.4101).

SANCTUARY CHOIR

The Sanctuary Choir is the adult four part mixed choir that sings at the 9:30 AM Traditional service. From time to time throughout the year the Sanctuary Choir is also called to lead worship at special occasions.  They rehearse every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.  For more information contact Director of Music Director Laura Ramseyer (842.4101).

PRAISE BAND

The Ignite praise team leads music each week at the 10:45 contemporary service in the sanctuary.  They are made up of drums, guitars, keyboards, vocals in praising God in a "fresh" way using contemporary music and playing hymns in a contemporary way. The whole purpose of the team is to lift up Jesus Christ in Praise..  For more information about the praise band, contact Pastor Susan Owens (842.1157).

CHILDREN'S CHOIR

The Children's Choir is open for students in grades forth through eighth, although younger children are also welcomed.  They sing at the 9:30 AM Traditional service on the second or third Sunday of each month.  They rehearse every Sunday from 10:30 to 11:00 AM on the third floor of the Education Building.  The Children's Choir also sings from time to time for special occasions including caroling to residents of Evenglow Health Center.  For more information contact Children's Choir Director Mary Hamilton (844.3457).

LITURGICAL DANCE (Videos of performances)

The definition of liturgical dance is a dance combining lyrical, jazz and ballet movements to religious music. The symbolic nature of the dance is very moving for the congregation and in our church always points to Christ. The dance is enveloped in much prayer. The dancers wear footless tights and loose long tops in all black. The dancers are also barefoot with no jewelry, no make-up, nail polish, and very simple hair styles. Our dance troupe does offerings of dance three to four times a year. All junior high and senior high students are welcome to join. Dance experience is not necessary. Choreography is developed by Susan Owens, our minister's wife. Susan has background in piano, organ, dance, choreography and also teaches Communication at Illinois State University. She has over 50 years of church related experience in music, dance and communication. For more information contact Susan Owens (844.5233).

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHOIR

The Sunday School Choir is comprised of students of the Pontiac First Sunday School.  They sing simple yet fun God like "God's In The Body Building Business" and "Pharaoh, Pharaoh"!  The Sunday School Choir rehearse each Sunday at 9:30 AM on the Third Floor of the Education Building and sing once a month at the 10:45 AM Contemporary service.  For more information contact Children's Coordinator Becky Walker (842.1157).

PONTIAC FIRST CHURCH BAND

The Church Band is an ensemble of musicians from different disciplines within the congregation.  They play at special events during the year and during Lent and Advent times.  Those able to play an instrument and read music who are interested in joining are asked to contact Director of Music Laura Ramseyer (842.4101)

SPECIAL MUSIC

Special Music is provided through the year at various times and services.  Over the summer when the choirs are on break special music is provided each Sunday at the 8:15 and 9:30 AM worship services.  Special music in the past has included soloists, ensembles, guest choirs, and instrumentalists.  For more information contact Director of Music Director Laura Ramseyer (842.4101).

YOUTH BAND

Gifted senior high school students from the Livingston County region make up a full-out rock band that plays for the "Live In Concert!" events held each Wednesday night of the school year. This outreach service opens doors for conversations about Jesus Christ - with the central aspect involving student performances of selections from modern artists that happen to have spiritual undertones. Songs from artists like Linkin Park, Flyleaf, Coldplay, Evanescence make up our repertoire. For more information, contact Youth Pastor Scott Carnes (842.1157).